The Hoyt Foundation May Newsletter |
From the Office of the President |
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The 2026 Boston Marathon was one for the history books. I have 6 highlights for 2026 to share. Before sharing the highlights, I have to say thank you to my family and my support crew that made everything we did possible. While we were in Boston – Lisa, Troy, Amanda, Ryan, Amber, Cam, Zoe, and Amy worked tirelessly to make sure all our events went well.
Highlight #1 – Celebrating Greek Marathon History with Legends Thursday night the 26.2 Foundation partnered with the B.A.A. to kick off the marathon festivities in style. The Greek Consulate General passed along the wreaths that are to be awarded to the Champions on Monday. |
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Highlight #2 – B.A.A. Welcome to Boston Ceremony – The Hoyt family was honored to take part in the B.A.A.’s official welcome to the Boston Marathon Weekend. We helped celebrate some inspiring runners, amazing moments and past champions, including: Jack Fultz, the Run for the Hoses, Bobbi Gibb, the Girl Who Ran, Tony Reed, We ARE Distance Runners. |
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Highlight #3 – Family fun at the BAA 5K – Troy and Ryan Hoyt along with his girlfriend Amber Jackson ran the 5K on Saturday morning. They were joined by Jenelle Tittlefitz from team Hoyt Denver. The race was extra special as our close friend Tatyanna McFadden won the women’s wheelchair division; and Russ got to share a moment with Matt Brown and Lucas Carr. |
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Highlight #4 – Special Team Hoyt Duo Gathering – Saturday morning following the B.A.A. 5K the Duos running the 2026 Boston Marathon and members of the Team Hoyt Charity team came together and were presented a gift from Team Hoyt and The Hoyt Foundation. |
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Highlight #5 – Honoring Susan Hurley – Saturday at the B.A.A. Gives Back Gala event we honored Susan Hurley. Susan is a lifelong friend and she was instrumental in helping Team Hoyt when we needed her most after Dick and Rick passed. We lost Susan last year to ovarian cancer but we were thrilled to present this award to her sons Max and Ryan. |
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Highlight #6 – Charity Team Breakfast – Ryan and Max McGillivray did an amazing job stepping up and making the CharityTeams breakfast a morning of love, support and legacy. |
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For more about the marathon see our marathon summary and runner thank you articles. The 2026 Team Hoyt Charity team runners made connections and memories that will last them a lifetime. |
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Thank you all for supporting the Hoyt Family, Team Hoyt and The Hoyt Foundation. |
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130th Boston Marathon: Recap |
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The 130th running of the Boston Marathon was another unforgettable celebration of perseverance, inclusion, and community, and The Hoyt Foundation was proud to have 23 Team Hoyt athletes take part in this year’s race in support of our mission.
After more than 20 weeks of training, fundraising, and preparation, these athletes committed themselves fully to the journey ahead – balancing early mornings, cold winter runs, sore legs, busy schedules, and the added responsibility of fundraising on behalf of our organization.
Together, Team Hoyt Boston raised more than $300,000 to support The Hoyt Foundation and our work to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their passions, compete, play, and learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
Congratulations and thank you to our remarkable Team Hoyt Boston athletes – you continue to inspire us all. |
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Boston Marathon weekend included a full agenda of events from the annual Wreath Ceremony hosted by the 26.2 Foundation to the B.A.A. Gives Back Gala and CharityTeams bRUNch! culinating with the Team Hoyt's 'World Famous Pasta Dinner on the event.
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The weekend culminated with Team Hoyt's annual "World Famous Pasta Dinner" where our runners and their families came together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our athletes. We recognized top three fundraisers Morgan Britt-Webb ($19,365) Gretchen Freihofer ($18,1333), Marisa Gehrig ($17,242) as well as Erica Harlow for the Most Creative and Inspirational Fundraiser Award.
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Athletes were left with special message from
Brady, one of our YES
YOU CAN Inclusion Grant recipients, his words serving as a reminder of the lives our runners help
impact through their fundraising efforts. |
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And of course, Patriot’s Day didn’t disappoint!
Race day brought incredible energy throughout the city, with cool temperatures and ideal running conditions. Russ Hoyt was in Hopkinton to see the Duo field take off and then headed back to Boston where he was first to congratulate our jubilant runners as they crossed the finish line on Boylston Street. |
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There is a saying among runners that “the race is the reward ” – that race day itself is the victory lap for all the hard work that came before it. The early alarms, winter training runs, nagging injuries, fundraising outreach, and moments of doubt all lead to that unforgettable journey from Hopkinton to Boston. We hope our runners are proud of what they accomplished, and we hope everyone who supported them along the way feels proud too.
Because no one gets to the start line alone. To the many friends, family members, coworkers, donors, and supporters who encouraged our athletes every step of the way – thank you for helping make this achievement possible. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program for once again welcoming The Hoyt Foundation into this year’s field, and to our partners at CharityTeams for the tremendous support they provided our athletes throughout training season and race weekend.
Boston holds a uniquely special place in the story of Team Hoyt and the Hoyt family. It is where Dick and Rick Hoyt helped spark a movement for inclusion in endurance sports, and where Rick found so much joy throughout his life. To continue this work – and to see Duo teams continue to line up in Hopkinton each year – is something we never take for granted. To our runners, donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters: thank you for helping us carry this legacy forward.
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Inspiring "YES YOU CAN" Stories
from The Boston Marathon |
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In the days surrounding Marathon Monday, we hear countless stories of perseverance, resilience, and triumph that reflect the spirit that defines not only the Boston Marathon itself, but also the Team Hoyt community.
Here, we’re highlighting a few inspiring “YES YOU CAN” stories from within our community that capture the determination, courage, and unwavering belief in possibility. |
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Daniel Bucklew – Para Athlete and MS Advocate
In the early days of his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2010, Danny faced challenges that at times left him struggling just to walk. Even during those emotionally difficult days, Danny was setting his sights on some big athletic goals. He recalls watching the 2018 Boston Marathon while receiving an MS medication infusion and making a promise to himself he would soon after run Boston. |
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| This year marked Danny’s 5th Boston Marathon and his second competing as a para athlete where he represented and raised funds for the National MS Boston Team.
However, this training season proved particularly difficult. After more than eight years without severe MS symptoms, he battled double vision that led to hospitalization, recurring foot drop, and a badly sprained ankle that temporarily sidelined his training. Still, he adapted. He adjusted his training, reworked his race strategy, and continued showing up with determination and grit. |
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But the greatest challenge came on Marathon Monday itself. Late in the race, as Danny pushed through the final miles into Boston, the neuromuscular symptoms he had worked so hard to manage throughout training began to return. Foot drop set in again, forcing him to slow dramatically and stop several times near the finish as his body struggled to cooperate.
What had been a strong and steady race quickly became a battle simply to keep moving forward. Then, with just a few hundred meters to the finish, Danny turned toward the roaring crowd and pointed to the words “I Race with MS” printed across the back of his singlet. The crowd erupted in support, helping carry him through the final stretch to the finish line.
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"The training build for this year's marathon didn't go exactly as planned, but my main goal for the weekend was to qualify for the 2027 Boston
Marathon and that mission was accomplished!!!
My training for the 131st Boston Marathon has
already begun, and I cannot wait to see what I
can do next year while running with the purpose of bringing an end to Multiple Sclerosis." |
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Becca Pizzi – Elite Athlete and Race Director
Becca Pizzi is no stranger to the Boston Marathon – or to endurance racing. A Boston-area native, Becca has completed the race 21 times and is widely known throughout the running community for her accomplishments as an elite endurance athlete, including completing Ironman triathlons and the World Marathon Challenge: 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.
But this year’s road to Boston looked very different. Just weeks before Marathon Monday, Becca suffered a devastating fall during a trail run that resulted in a complete retracted hamstring tear, a slipped disc, and a fractured hip – injuries severe enough that many runners would have immediately withdrawn from the race. |
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Instead, Becca remained focused on the finish line. Even in the days leading up to the marathon, she was still weighing whether attempting the race would be
possible. But those who know |
Becca best were not surprised
when she chose to take on the challenge.
Outfitted in her Team Hoyt tie-dye
singlet and wearing a hip and leg
brace, Becca toughed out all 26.2
miles through pain and uncertainty,
determined not to let the injury end
her remarkable 21-year Boston
Marathon streak. And despite the
severity of her injuries, she still
finished with an impressive time,
crossing the finish line where
members of Team Hoyt were there
to congratulate her on Boylston
Street. |
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Marathoning is often seen as a test of physical strength, but finish line moments like Becca’s remind us it is equally a test of resilience, determination, and willpower. |
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Andrea Browers – First Time Boston Marathoner
[We originally featured Andrea in our June 2025 newsletter, celebrating her inspiring post-accident return to running after four years of rehabilitation and hard work to regain the ability to run even one mile. We are incredibly proud to continue celebrating her resilience and the remarkable milestones she continues to achieve on her running journey.]
After being struck by a truck as a pedestrian in 2004, Andrea Browers was told she would have to relearn how to do everything. She wasn't able to walk and describes feeling like she wouldn't ever be able to again, but was determined to beat the odds. But after years of recovery and rehabilitation, she learned not only how to walk again, but how to run with the aid of a rolling walker. Her longest distance post-accident was only 10 miles, but when she received an invitational bib for the 2026 Boston Marathon – an opportunity she understood few runners ever experience – and decided she would commit!
Then, just two weeks before the race, Andrea learned she would not be allowed to participate using her rolling walker – a critical tool she had relied on since returning to running after her accident. Through her adaptive athlete, the B.A.A. gave Andrea the chance to find a support runner. With less than an hour before the registration deadline, she was connected with fellow Boston-area runner Aaron Cohen, who quickly stepped in to take the role. Though the two had never met in person, they spoke every day leading up to the race and even managed a short shakeout run (one mile) together the day before the marathon.
On race day, emotions were high from the very start. Just two miles into the race, Andrea fell hard after getting caught up in the energy of the crowd. It could have ended her marathon right there. Instead, she got back up immediately and kept moving forward. As the miles wore on, the race became as much a mental battle as a physical one. When runners from later waves started passing them, the emotional challenge only grew harder and by the time they reached the Newton Hills, Andrea confesses she did not know how she was going to make it to the finish.
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Mentally, things got even harder when they saw the final pace car go by and then noticed the course being broken down. The roads were reopening and while it was deeply discouraging, they kept moving one foot in front of the other. |
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| More than 24 miles into the race, the final stretch felt overwhelming and began questioning whether there was even a point in continuing. Would the finish line still be there? Would anyone still be cheering? |
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Aaron assured her the answer was “yes”, but while one Hereford Street an exhausted Andrea told him she wanted to stop and be done; she did not think she could take another step.
“Aaron told me that if I truly couldn’t go on – if the pain was too much and I needed to stop – he would respect that completely. But then he asked me to think about where I was and everything I had already overcome to get there. This wasn’t just about one hard day or one hard week. It was about decades of adversity I had fought through. " |
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As they turned onto Boylston, there
was still a crowd. People were still
cheering. Cowbells were still
ringing. After all transpired not only
in their more than nine hours on the
course, but in the many years of
rehab leading up to it, Andrea
crossed the finish line and received
her medal as a Boston Marathon
finisher. Says support runner Aaron: |
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“Andrea somehow gutting this out and digging deep to finish the marathon is something that will inspire me for the rest of my life in many different ways. Her completing the Boston Marathon is a story of perseverance and overcoming the odds I’ll never forget.” |
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The Hoyt Foundation Awarded
B.A.A. Gives Back Grant |
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April was filled with excitement, celebration, and
unforgettable
moments for The Hoyt
Foundation – and we
have one more
reason to celebrate. Recently, The Hoyt
Foundation was
honored to receive
one of the Boston
Athletic Association’s B.A.A. Gives Back
Grants.
The B.A.A. Gives
Back Grant Program
provides funding to
nonprofits that
advance the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities |
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through running and sport. In this spring grant cycle, 15 organizations were awarded a combined $125,000 in support of programs that expand access to wellness, movement, and community engagement across Greater Boston.
This funding will allow The Hoyt Foundation to expand access to duo chairs for individuals with disabilities, helping more people participate in races and endurance events alongside family and friends.
Says President & CEO, Russ Hoyt:
“The movement for inclusion in endurance sports began here in Boston with Dick and Rick Hoyt, who demonstrated that the duo chair is more than adaptive equipment – it is a symbol of possibility. We are incredibly grateful to the Boston Athletic Association for their support which allows us to create even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue their passion for racing and experience the power of inclusion.”
With support from the B.A.A., more individuals will have the opportunity to pursue active lifestyles, compete in races, and share meaningful finish-line moments with the people beside them – carrying forward the same “YES YOU CAN” spirit that Dick and Rick Hoyt introduced to the world right here in Boston. |
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Mission Partner Impact: Easterseals of MA |
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Our Mission Partner Easterseals of Massachusetts just shared their annual report and we want to highlight a few items that help to demonstrate the importance of our work together, including our annual donation and its impact. |
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Examples of The Hoyt Foundation's grant impact are detailed below through the variety of programs and services offered and include:
* 31 students with disabilities
graduated from college
* 285 students gained employment skills
* 1,475 assistive technology devices
were supported through loans.
To read the whole report or learn more about the impact of Easterseals of Massachusetts, please click here
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Look What's On the Horizon... |
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The Hoyt Foundation is proud to once again sponsor the Falmouth Road Race Duo Program. If you or someone you know would like to run as a Duo or as a single runner representing Team Hoyt, we have several spots available on our charity team.
Interested athletes can submit an application here.
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BREAKING NEWS! TEAM HOYT TO RUN the FENWAY PARK MARATHON as a family relay team!
Rick ran it with Bryan and now you can run it alongside Troy, Ryan, Lisa and Russ. CAN YOU JOIN US – YES YOU CAN! |
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Dear Runners and fans of the Red Sox and Fenway Park - Good news!
Registration is now open for the 2026 Fenway Park Marathon! The race will take place at Fenway Park on the warning track on Saturday, May 30, 2026 starting at 5:00 PM.
There is no “entry fee” to register, but there is a mandatory fundraising minimum of $5,000 to benefit the Red Sox Foundation and Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation.
And, for awareness spectators will be allow in the park to watch the race! This is the best spectator marathon in the world as your loved ones can see you and cheer for you the entire way and you can be inspired by seeing them, too, the entire way!
For more information and to register click here. |
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2026 Boston Marathon Runner Wrap Up |
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James Anderson & Rusty Wilkins |
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| | This pair is rare; in the past they have run Boston in a time of 3:02.
That means they went flying by me and you.
We are so proud of this year’s Honorary Team Hoyt Duo James Anderson and Rusty Wilkins! |
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This runner was diagnosed with cancer in 2021.
He had surgery and then had to relearn to walk and then relearn to run.
What a performance by Roy Bacot |
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| | This team is father and daughter; Dick and Rick were father and son.
You will understand why this Dad does it when you see her smile as they run.
So proud of Shawn and Chloe Bertrand.
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Carmen Haskell
&
Gabriela
Braceras |
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These sisters ran alongside Dad and Rick at the Falmouth Road Race. They conquered Boston together stride for stride at a strong family pace. They are Carmen & Gabriela Braceras. |
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| | This runner lives just 2 streets from Heart Break Hill.
She was our number one fundraiser and she broke this course with sheer will. You did it Morgan Britt-Webb. |
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| | This runner was inspired by a video of Rick and Dad and after watching she wanted to run Boston so bad,
she found us and now she is part of Team Hoyt and for that we are so glad. Nice run Sheryl Campbell-Durkin |
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| | This fire fighter risks his life to save others;
he has run for us in New York and he gives his all to improve the life of adaptive athlete’s just like my brother’s. Great day in Boston Charlie Charbonneau. |
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| | On Monday she had a great run.
However, she told us raising money to support The Hoyt Foundation was even more fun. She was our number 2 fundraiser she is Gretchen Freihofer. |
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In representing Team Hoyt in Falmouth this runner had so much fun. She decided I’m going to Boston and take on that run. She was our number 3 fundraiser she is Marsia Gehrig. |
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| | This runner completed a world major the Berlin Marathon in 2024 and now she has completed Boston to mark off one more. Congratulations Gina Gracie. |
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This runner is inspired by her whole family but her Dad is currently fighting cancer in his brain. Her strength, her kindness and her selflessness will push away all the pain. Please congratulate Ercia Harlow.. |
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Yes, he is Russ’s oldest son. But it was not he who taught him to run. His Uncle and his Grandfather are the ones who got it done. You know him, you love him, I know I do Troy Hoyt. |
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| | STAR WARS REFERENCE Luke she is you mother. This runner is planning to run Boston with her son when it is time. By then she will truly be in her prime. She is Michelle Nolen. |
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This runner has a sister who has Down Syndrome and she has inspired him. So you know running Boston in her honor is not just a whim. Please celebrate Michael Olguin. |
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| | Let’s go G – O,
Let’s go G – O, our next runner’s initials are G – O, how perfect is that?
Let’s go G – O. Let’s her it for Gia Orsino. |
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She is down but not out. The whole world will hear me shout. Becca’s come back is on the way I have no doubt. How do you introduce a legend? That is easy – just say her name – Becca Pizzi. |
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| | In 2024 this runner did a marathon in Maine. Well Boston is the big one no pain, no gain. Please congratulate Liam Shannahan. |
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| | Lucy, you get some 'esplaining' to do. This runner keeps coming back for more and every time she asks to run, we are going to open the door.
Well done Lucy Verdone. |
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This runner’s brother Taft passed at the tender age of 10. She never got to push him in a race but he has carried her spirit ever since then. Congratulate Kip Wiles. |
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| | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Philadelphia and Kenya are the places he has done one. But on Marathon Monday he completed the world’s greatest run. Our fastest Team Hoyt finisher of 2026 Nate Woodman. |
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